Children Can Learn From Holiday Activities

PRINCIPAL'S CORNER

Parents can do much to help their children learn during holiday vacation periods. In doing so, they may also discover their family celebrations are more enjoyable and meaningful.

Here's what parents can do: Involve children in festivities. Children love to participate in holiday activities. Plan age-appropriate ways for them to help, such as setting the table, frosting cookies, decorating, or wrapping gifts.

Explain the meaning of holidays. Explain what your family's holiday beliefs are, what they signify and why you celebrate them as you do. Reminisce about what the holidays were like when you were a child. Point out family traditions, stress the values your family associates with the holidays, such as the importance of giving as well as receiving gifts.

Do things together. Plan time to share meaningful activities with your children. Take them to a seasonal movie, read holiday stories together, participate in your religious institution's activities, enjoy the decorated shop windows together, take a ride or walk and view the Christmas lights.

Be kind to yourself. Family holidays are more meaningful when parents set reasonable goals.

Reinforce school routine. Insist your children maintain good school habits. Let them know you expect them to continue doing school work. ---- William L. Smith is principal of Tedder Elementary in Pompano Beach.